Calhoun Falls council member arrested for DUI asks to address council Thursday

CALHOUN FALLS - Calhoun Falls Police Chief Mike Alewine says he has asked the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to investigate Town Council member Charlie Tillman.

The chief said he believes Tillman committed misconduct in office when he was arrested for driving under the influence and other charges early Monday morning. SLED confirms that it has been asked to investigate, but a decision has not yet been reached about whether that will happen.

Tillman had no comment Wednesday about the requested investigation. He said he has been advised by his lawyers not to comment anymore.

Alewine released dash cam and body camera video from the police officer who pulled Tillman over for suspected drunken driving. The video shows Tillman taking a sobriety test.

Officers said Tillman was swerving over the centerline. The officer pulled over Tillman then asked, "How much you had to drink tonight, Mr. Tillman?"

Tillman responded, "I drunk a beer."

Alewine said Tillman threatened to kill one of his officers on the way to the detention center. The audio for that ride is not audible. Police said there was a problem with the microphone.

At the detention center, Tillman is heard speaking with an officer. He says, "You might not have on the right uniform. You might need to put on a robe and a hood. That's what you need, a robe and a hood."

Chief Alewine said, "I think he should step down (from town council) today."

Alewine said Tillman's comments were racist and unprofessional.

Some people in town said that what Tillman said and did was wrong, but that he was targeted by police.

Steven Sanders said, "Time he said it a camera was on him, and it was basically a setup."

Police deny those claims.

Calhoun Falls Mayor Lee Garret said Tillman's comments were "reckless and frivolous." He said Tillman has asked to speak to town council at a regularly-scheduled meeting Thursday night. Garrett also said he's concerned that the whole ordeal may divide the town.

Tillman is also charged with having an open container of liquor, speeding, failure to stop for blue lights, and threatening the life of a public official. Earlier this week, Tillman told 7 On Your Side he was not drunk, and he racially profiled when police pulled him over. Police deny that.

Tillman has a criminal history dating back to 1979. He was convicted then of assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. Chief Alewine said that is a felony.

South Carolina law says someone convicted of a felony can be elected and serve in office as long as 15 years have passed since the felon has completed their sentence, including completion of probation and parole. That was the case for Tillman.